St. Patrick’s Day, originally a religious holiday celebrating the Patron Saint of Ireland, has become one of the biggest drinking days of the year.

Historically, St. Patrick’s Day was intended to be a traditional day for spiritual renewal and for the offering of prayers for missionaries across the world. The holiday began in Ireland, and is celebrated on March 17th every year. It is thought that March 17th marked the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

As the Irish emigrated far from their homeland, their history and their celebrations went with them. Today, in Ireland, March 17th remains the traditional day of offering prayers for missionaries across the world--before other St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin. In cities across America which are home to large Irish populations, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with the “wearing of the green”, parades, music, songs, and Irish food and drinks.

Symbols of St. Patrick’s Day which most of us recognize include the shamrock—the leaf of the clover plant (symbol of the Holy Trinity); the flag of the Republic of Ireland in green, orange and white, the color green, and Irish beer.

Also a part of St. Patrick’s Day is the leprechaun and the pot of gold at that end of the rainbow which the leprechaun is said to hide there.

It can be a day of fun and happy celebration of Irish ancestry and heritage, and a way to recognize Ireland’s influence on America today. At the same time, an overabundance of alcohol and too much partying can lead to consequences which were never intended to be a part of St. Patrick’s Day, and what it represents.

A Guide for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day has become a high-risk time for drunk drivers on the roadways, and increased driving under the influence (DUI) related traffic collisions. It is likely there will be sobriety checkpoints in an effort to prevent drunken driving and related vehicle accidents. A night in jail for a DUI, the loss of driver’s license, or the loss of a life was never intended to be a part of St. Patrick’s Day.

Narconon Arrowhead, a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education center in Southeastern Oklahoma, is releasing the following guidelines to help everyone enjoy a happier, safe and sober St. Patrick’s Day:

➢ Plan ahead this St. Patrick’s Day.
➢ Know before you start partying or drinking how you will get home safely, and with whom.
➢ If you plan to drink, ensure you have a sober designated driver, no fail.
➢ If you plan to drink, leave your car keys at home.
➢ Never drive while you are alcohol or drug impaired. No exceptions.
➢ Never let your friends or a family member drive while drug or alcohol impaired. No exceptions.
➢ Never get in a vehicle or ride as a passenger with a driver who is drunk. No exceptions.
➢ Call a friend, a family member or a taxi to make sure you get home safely if you have been drinking and failed to designate a driver beforehand.
➢ Take public transportation to get home safely, if necessary.
➢ Do not let a person who is drug or alcohol-impaired get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Take their keys. Help them to get home safely. No exceptions. And if you see a driver on the road who you think may be drunk or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, call 911.

The executives and staff of Narconon Arrowhead wish everyone a safe, sober and memorable St. Patrick’s Day.